In 2015 Panama was, once again, the region’s top economic performer. Economic expansion, spearheaded by growth in the service sector, has created a bonanza for some but yet failed to produce significant improvements in the country’s social conditions. Beneath an appearance of prosperity loom critical situations with potential to undermine the political stability enjoyed during two decades of democratic rule. Particularly, such enduring features of the political system as clientelism and corruption infringe upon the right to good representation, emasculate citizen aspirations of justice, and prevent the selection of qualified individuals to meet the challenges facing the country.